Comments from ERD

The Garden theatre was demolished in the 1950’s. I went there as
a child. It was called the “dump” in its last years. It was built before World War I. Originally, before air conditioning, the roof opened at night. A supermarket and now a lumber store and yard occupy the site where the building once stood. (The theatre is listed
in Cinema Treasures.

There was no main chanelier. There was a domed ceiling which had
a circular design on its top with spokes or “rays that came from it and surrounded the dome. Recessed colored lighting on its ledge lit the dome. There were, however, two large latern chandeliers that hung over the 2 marbled box seats on the sides of the proscenium.

The audiotrium was not cramped at all. It’s neo classical interior was very beautiful. The theatre did not have a fancy lobby. It had a
tiled floor that was slanted up to the enternace of the auditorium.

Somone recently mentioned that the Oriental had an organ. I don’t recall seeing it when I attended the theatre. I also do not remember
Loew’s 46th Street or Loew’s Boro Park having a theatre organ.
Does anyone know for sure?

Once in a whle, a star of the movie would also appear as part of the stage show. In December of 1936, musical child star Bobby Breen appeared in the movie “RAINBOW ON THE RIVER” and was featured in the stage show.

One should not forget to mention Dick Leibert, one of the original organists at Radio City Music Hall. He played there for 40 years. Mr. Leibert also recorded many albums, many on the RCMH organ, for RCA. What a superb musician.

As I child, I remember going to the Palace and seeing movies with the 8 act vaudeville shows. Later on I saw many musicals at this theatre. I also recall sitting in the top balcony-which like many other theatres of that era was known as the “nose bleed” section. What a difference experience as compared to sitting the in the orchestra! How fortunate a way was found to save this theatre- even though the original facade was destroyed.

This beautiful theatre is the last movie palace still standing in the Broadway area. Hopefully, the building can eventaully be returned to presenting shows. A producer with creative vision could do so much with it.